Eminen dispute goes back to court

November 2010

CONTRACT / COPYRIGHTInternet, record labels

Last month we reported on FBT’s success in challenging royalty rates calculated by Universal. FBT were Eminen’s production company – and now the rapper himself has begun an action – or rather re-commenced an action – again against Universal. Last year Eminem’s company Eight Mile Style sued Universal, UMG’s label Aftermath and Apple Inc over the sale of Slim Shady’s track on iTunes, it appears on the grounds that Universal did not have the rights to licence Eminem’s music for download. Based on that claim, Eight Mile Style said it was due millions in damages but the case was settled by Universal and/or Apple and a promised payment in damages of over $2 million was agreed. Now it seems that Universal and/or Apple have not made good on that promise and, according to DetroitNews.com, Eight Mile Style has now filed a new lawsuit at the Detroit District court requesting a judge enforce the earlier settlement. Should this get to court this time round, it’s not clear if the case would centre on the contractual agreement made last October or on Eight Mile Style’s original claim regarding the download rights in Eminem’s music. In related news, the appellate court in the FBT case has dismissed Universal’s appeal. The lower court will now determine damages owned by Universal to FBT.